Must have been eager for St. Paddy's. Early bloom on Neofinetia, Hisui 翡翠.

[Hakumin]

[Mountaineer370]

Very pretty! I love the Neos.

[pinkowl]

Those are beautiful. I love the yellow green color of the flowers. Thank you for sharing. How old or large does the orchid need to be before it flowers like that?

[Shoreguy]

Neofinetia maturity size varies by the particular Neofinetia variety, some are mature at only 2” or so of total leaf spread whereas others mature at 5” or even more. As far as how long it takes to mature depends on the variety and care given.

Sorry cannot be more specific.

Your question is somewhat similar to another question always asked by beginners, how often should I water. There are many factors involved in that case. How often is hard to answer. When should I water is a little easier, during Spring, Summer, and up to mid Fall, before the media gets too dry. In the Winter, water before it drys out completely. Some may take issue with that advice. Do what works for you, it will be a learning process and mistakes are guaranteed.

[pinkowl]

I have some hisui but they are single plant with 5-6 leaves each and a 1-2" spread. I am just curious if I will see flowers from them this year or perhaps they need more growing.

As for watering, I put my finger in the 'pot hole' to see how damp it is/isn't.

[Shoreguy]

They need more growing. Total leaf spread (including both sides) should be at least 4”. My guess is one or two more years if you grow it well.

[pinkowl]

Thank you. I don't mind that they won't flower soon. First concern is making sure they grow well. Again, thanks for sharing your pics. It is something I look forward to seeing from my own one day/year.

[Hakumin]

Originally Posted by pinkowl

I have some hisui but they are single plant with 5-6 leaves each and a 1-2" spread. I am just curious if I will see flowers from them this year or perhaps they need more growing.

While individuals may bloom when smaller, my hisui in the photos above is about 6-7 inches across from leaf tip to leaf tip per growth. The clump is 5 growths total. It is also a division of the original.

[Shoreguy]

Originally Posted by pinkowl

I have some hisui but they are single plant with 5-6 leaves each and a 1-2" spread. I am just curious if I will see flowers from them this year or perhaps they need more growing.

The plant with the 1” spread would likely take more than 3 years with good culture and for the 2”, 2 years would be an optimistic minimum, once again with good culture. My one year statement was not realistic.

A new Neofinetia grower is advised to purchase blooming sized plants to keep their interest alive as waiting years for blooms to arrive is difficult especially due to the demands inherent in growing the plants. Once you have a population of blooming sized ones, that would be the best time to bring in immature ones, especially if the variety is unavailable in larger size or prohibitably expensive.

As I previously mentioned, making mistakes is guaranteed so don't be too hard on yourself. I still make them and I’ve been growing orchids for over 45 years and neos for over 40.

[Orchid_Tapestry]

Originally Posted by Hakumin

While individuals may bloom when smaller, my hisui in the photos above is about 6-7 inches across from leaf tip to leaf tip per growth. The clump is 5 growths total. It is also a division of the original.

The flowers are beautiful and seem to have more color than most... Is it perhaps due to being from an original
or should we all expect to see that much color on our Hisui?